Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate treat that delivers perfectly pillowy insides, golden crusts, and a dazzling cinnamon-sugar coating, look no further than Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. Each bite tastes like a trip straight to your favorite bakery—warm, fluffy, with that irresistible mix of buttery richness and aromatic sweetness. Whether you serve them for a chill movie night, a holiday brunch, or simply because you’re craving something cozy, these pretzels always bring smiles and “oh wow” reactions. Trust me: Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are so much fun to make and even more delightful to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels irresistible is how a handful of kitchen staples transform into something truly special. Each ingredient plays its part—adding flavor, creating texture, or helping with that all-important rise and shine. Here’s what you need and why you need it:

• Active dry yeast: This is the secret to a fluffy, soft texture—be sure your yeast is still fresh for best results.
• Warm water: The perfect temperature wakes up the yeast, encouraging it to get foamy and bubbly—essential for soft pretzels.
• Granulated sugar (for dough & topping): Adds gentle sweetness to the dough and makes the cinnamon sugar coating utterly addictive.
• All-purpose flour: This gives the pretzels their structure and soft bite—sift it for the lightest results!
• Salt: Just a teaspoon balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings buttery goodness into every bite and keeps the dough tender.
• Baking soda: A baking soda bath gives the pretzels their classic chewy crust and beautiful golden color.
• Egg, beaten: Signals a shiny, glossy finish that helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
• Ground cinnamon: Earthy warmth and cozy spice—don’t skip this aromatic superstar in your sugar mix.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by pouring your warm water into a bowl and sprinkling over the active dry yeast. Add a spoonful of sugar, then give it a stir to help the yeast dissolve. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until it’s foamy—a sure sign the yeast is lively and ready to create light, airy pretzels.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour and salt so the salt disperses evenly. Pour in the bubbly yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to stir everything until a rough dough begins to gather—don’t worry if it looks a bit scraggy at first, it’ll soon transform with kneading.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Lightly flour your work surface, then tip the dough out and knead for around 5 to 7 minutes. Work it by pressing with the heel of your hand, folding, and turning, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is key for that classic Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels texture—soft on the inside, slightly chewy on the outside!

Step 4: First Rise

Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and set it in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest somewhere warm for an hour or so, until the dough doubles in size. Watching the dough puff up is always a magical moment—it means your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are on their way.

Step 5: Shape Your Pretzels

Punch down the dough gently to release built-up air, then cut it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope, about 18 inches, and twist into that classic pretzel shape: make a U, cross the ends, twist, and fold them down. The shapes don’t have to be perfect—it’s the homemade charm that counts!

Step 6: Baking Soda Bath

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then carefully stir in the baking soda (it will fizz up a little). Taking one pretzel at a time, give them a quick dip—about 30 seconds—before lifting them out with a slotted spoon. This crucial soak is what gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels their signature sheen and subtle snap.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Place the boiled pretzels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg right away, making sure to cover every twist and curve. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the tops while the egg wash is still wet. This is where the magic cinnamon sugar coating sticks and bakes to a delicious crunch!

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slip the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pretzels turn deep golden brown. The smell in your kitchen will be out-of-this-world! Let them cool slightly on a wire rack so you don’t burn your fingers, but don’t wait too long—they’re best when tender and warm.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, dust your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with a bit more cinnamon sugar just before serving. If you want to up the decadence, drizzle them with a touch of melted white chocolate or a simple vanilla glaze. Even a pat of butter melting into a warm pretzel can make each bite sing.

Side Dishes

Pair these pretzels with small bowls of cream cheese frosting, rich caramel sauce, or chocolate fondue for dipping. They’re also wonderful with a mug of spiced chai or rich hot cocoa—it’s the ultimate cozy treat, perfect for lazy weekends or festive brunches.

Creative Ways to Present

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels make adorable edible gifts—pop them into cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for birthdays or holidays. Stack on a pretty platter for a brunch buffet, or serve on a wooden board with dips for an instant showstopper at your next gathering. Warm from the oven, they disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but will stay soft and delicious if wrapped well to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooled pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. To serve, just thaw them at room temperature or use the oven to quickly revive their bakery-fresh appeal.

Reheating

To get that just-baked flavor again, pop leftover pretzels in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave individual pretzels for 15 to 20 seconds, though the oven method keeps the outsides crisper and the insides lovely and soft. A quick touch of extra cinnamon sugar after reheating never hurts, either!

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

Active yeast will turn foamy and bubbly within 5 to 10 minutes of sitting in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If your mixture isn’t foaming, your yeast may be too old—try a fresh packet for fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels.

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels with instant yeast?

Absolutely! Substitute instant yeast for active dry, and you can skip the proofing step—just mix it right into the dry ingredients. The rest of the recipe stays the same, giving you the same pillowy soft results.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and follow the same steps. You may need to bake in batches, but the dough handles beautifully whether you make eight or sixteen pretzels. They’re guaranteed to disappear at parties, so making extra never hurts!

What’s the best way to reheat multiple pretzels at once?

Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 7-10 minutes. This method gently revives their texture and ensures every Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel tastes as good as the day you baked them.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use bread flour if that’s what you have on hand; it’ll give your pretzels a slightly chewier bite, which some people love. All-purpose flour yields a softer, more tender crumb—which is classic for Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels, but both work deliciously.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a fresh batch of Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels—warm, fluffy, and dusted in sparkling sugar. They’re easy to make, fun to twist, and sure to spark joy in anyone who takes a bite. Give them a try soon, and watch these bakery-style treats become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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